Baron running a fast break...Men's quarters on tap...Hawks, Caps, Devs busy...Records in the pool

LOS ANGELES (AP) All-Star point guard Baron Davis is close to finalizing a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers after opting out of the final year of his deal with the Golden State Warriors.

Davis refused to directly confirm reports from The Los Angeles Times and ESPN.com that he's headed to the Clippers, but he spoke of the Warriors in the past tense during a promotional appearance for his new documentary last night.

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) Top-seed Roger Federer and number-two Rafael Nadal each play men's quarterfinal matches on Centre Court to highlight today's Wimbledon schedule. Federer takes on Mario Ancic (AN'-chich). Nadal faces Britain's Andy Murray. Feliciano Lopez battles Marat Safin (mah-RAHT' SA'-fihn). And Arnaud Clement (kleh-MAHN') goes against Rainier Schuettler (RAY'-nur SHUT'-lur).

Federer is two match victories from his sixth consecutive Wimbledon title.

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) The Wimbledon women's semifinals are set following yesterday's wins by Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Elena Dementieva (ehl-AY'-nah deh-mehn-tee-AY'-vah) and Zheng Jie (zhehng jee). The Williams sisters won their quarterfinal matches in straights and are in line to meet in Saturday's final. Venus will next face Dementieva while Serena will meet Zheng.

UNDATED (AP) The Chicago Blackhawks were big players on the first day of the NHL's free-agent signing period, inking defenseman Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet (HYOO'-ay). The Washington Capitals re-signed defenseman Mike Green to a four-year deal.

Defenseman Brad Stuart re-upped with Detroit. And the New Jersey Devils inked Brian Rolston, Bobby Holik (hoh-LEEK'), Jay Pandolfo and Bryce Salvador.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Aaron Peirsol and Natalie Coughlin (KAWG'-lihn) broke their own records in the 100-meter backstroke yesterday to earn berths on the U.S. Olympic swim team. Peirsol finished in 52.89 seconds and Coughlin became the first woman to break 59 seconds with a time of 58.97.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-02-08 0430CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list